Seniors taking advantage of new Lakeland center

Bill Eastin, 64, gets a flare-up while trying to put out a practice fire during a Community Emergency Response Team training course for seniors at the Lakeland senior center.

When Daisy Aldinger was close enough to feel the heat from flames outside of the Lakeland senior center one recent Wednesday afternoon, the 75-year-old gripped an extinguisher and watched as a white cloud blanketed the fire pan in front of her.

"This is great fun!" the retired nurse said of the fire suppression practice after a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class at the center. "And very educational."

Aldinger was one of 11 seniors at the class inside the relatively new center, which opened in late March and began offering programs in May.

The largely volunteer-staffed center has gained popularity in recent months, with about 70 seniors attending the last monthly potluck luncheon.

"It's definitely growing as word about the center is getting out," said program coordinator Joy Cloud. "We're excited to see that."

The city, which runs the center, sent out a survey to senior residents to cater programs to its users' needs.

Aldinger said she usually comes for Thursday Bingo, but has also attended sewing classes. Her husband's jazz band has provided entertainment at events, and speakers have come to present on topics ranging from Medicare to the history of Lakeland.

"I enjoy the fellowship," said Aldinger.

Open to anyone over 55 in Shelby County, the center at 4523 Canada Road also offers bridge lessons, computer classes and sets hours on the event calendar for "social time."

Mary Kesick, a CERT class attendee, said she planned to go through the eight weeks of training after fighting small fires on Wednesdays.

"I've never used an extinguisher before," she said. "It's good practice."

Claude Talford, Lakeland's emergency management director, said seniors were an important target for disaster and rescue training, as retirees are often home alone during the day when neighbors are at work.

"They may have to fend for themselves, because no one may be around to help," he said. "They have to think about that."

The city's goal for the center is to continue to fill the calendar with new events and provide a variety of programs for visitors, said Cloud.

"We're getting a feel for what our seniors are interested in," she said. "And we'll continue to grow from there."